"I was impressed (with Boro), I like the way they played," added Bates.

"Will they play like that in the first game of the season, I'm not sure, but they knocked it around nicely.

"They didn't push the full-backs high, they were hard to break on the counter. Jonathan (Woodgate) has taken the team and after the game he was pleased.

"I was impressed with the senior players as well, their attitude was good.

"I'm a Middlesbrough fan so I hope they have a good season."

Bates says his transfer work is done for the summer but didn't rule out knocking on the door of his former club in the hope of a player or two on loan should he manage to move a couple of his fringe figures on.

Asked whether he was interested in signing any Boro youngsters on loan, he said: "No, not at the moment, the squad is done.